PRAIA DE COPACABANA E LEME

Copacabana is one of the world's most famous beaches. From Leme to Copacabana Fort, the Orla (beach) is 4.15 kilometers long. Its Portuguese-inspired, wave-shaped cobblestone sidewalks are frequented by millions of Cariocas and tourists who stroll along, taking their time to appreciate this magical place. It may have lost its title as the city's most chic beach to Ipanema, but it's still a must-see stroll. Here, people come to enjoy the good rollers of the waves, despite a current that can be strong. The contemplative visitor will admire the bronze statue of the poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade seated on a bench along the promenade. As on all Rio beaches, lifeguard posts line the beach. The most emblematic of Copacabana's is posto 6, for pensioners and fishermen. As on all Rio beaches, lifeguard stations and the beaches surrounding them have a specific sociological profile. Surfers here, families there.

Frequented at all hours by Cariocas, tourists and street vendors, it's one of Rio's main attractions. Surfers, hedonists and joggers cross paths in an almost non-stop ballet. It's especially at weekends that Brazilians are drawn to the beach. On Sundays, the Avenida Atlântica is traffic-free, and joggers, cyclists and rollerbladers all meet there. It is dotted with little shacks where you can sip an agua de coco for 5 reais, and is lined, on the other side of the Avenida Atlântica, with cafés-restaurants that live by and for tourism.

This is where the annual New Year's fireworks display takes place, and where major popular gatherings are held (including concerts and the victory of the Seleção soccer team ). In 2013, nearly 3 million young Brazilians gathered here to pray at the closing of the World Youth Day in the presence of Pope Francis! It's still this postcard of a city that was chosen to host the beach volleyball competitions during the 2016 Olympics or for Madonna's concert in May 2024.

Leme beach, at the end to the left of Copacabana beach(postos 1 and 2), is certainly the best part of the bay: the beach is wide and the water is often cleaner than in Copacabana. Located at the foot of the Morro de Leme, almost surrounded by greenery, it's a neighborhood with much less traffic.